How to Rename Your Windows 11 Computer

Why Rename Your Computer?

Changing your computer’s name helps you:

• Make your device feel more personal
• Find your PC easily on a home or work network
• Stay organized if you have multiple computers

Method 1Rename Your Computer Using Settings

Renaming your Windows 11 computer is quick using the ⚙️ Settings app. This is the fastest way to give your PC a new name. ⚙️ Open Settings and look for the option to rename this PC to assign it a new identifier.

1. Click the ⊞ Start menu (Windows icon at the bottom-left) and select Settings. Or press Windows key + I to ⚙️ open Settings right away.
2. Look at the top of the Home section. You will see your current computer name.
3. Click the Rename this PC button or link below the name.
4. A small window will pop up. Type your new computer name here. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens (but no spaces or special characters).
5. Click Next. Then choose to restart now or later. Your PC will restart to apply the new name.

Method 2Rename Using System Properties

To rename your Windows 11 computer, the System Properties window offers a long-standing method that’s still effective. Opening System Properties and navigating to the Computer Name tab lets you quickly change your PC’s name.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter. This opens the System Properties window.
3. Click the Computer Name tab if it’s not already selected.
4. Click the Change… button.
5. In the new window, enter your desired computer name in the Computer name box.
6. Click OK. Then close all windows.
7. 🔄 Restart your computer to save the changes.

Method 3Rename Using Command Prompt

Renaming your Windows 11 computer is possible through the Command Prompt by typing a specific command, but you’ll need administrator privileges for this. Right-click Command Prompt in 🔍 the search results and select ‘Run as administrator’. This method lets you replace your computer’s current name with a new one you choose.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. Type Command Prompt.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — 🖱️ Right-click on Command Prompt in 🔍 the search results and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command. Replace Old_Name with your current PC name and New_Name with the new name you want:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="Old_Name" call rename name="New_Name"

   
   
4. For example, if your old name is DESKTOP-ABC123 and you want to rename it to MyPC, type:
   

   wmic computersystem where name="DESKTOP-ABC123" call rename name="MyPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. If it works, you’ll see a message saying the rename was successful.
6. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the new name.

Method 4Rename Using PowerShell

Renaming your Windows 11 computer is also possible using PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool. Administrator privileges are required here. Right-click Windows PowerShell and select ‘Run as administrator’. You’ll enter a specific command to assign your computer the new name you want.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. Type PowerShell.
2. FLAG: Admin privileges required — Right-click Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Type this command. Replace NewName with the name you want:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "NewName"

   
   
4. For example:
   

   Rename-Computer -NewName "MyNewPC"

   
   
5. Press Enter. Then 🔄 restart your computer for the change to take effect.

Summary

Renaming your Windows 11 computer helps you easily identify it on your network, keeping your devices organized and making your PC feel more personal. Choosing a clear name simplifies managing multiple devices and makes your computer uniquely yours, adding a personal touch.

Why this matters: Renaming your computer makes it easier to identify on your network and adds a personal touch to your device.

What you need to do: Choose whichever method feels right for you. All methods require a PC restart to apply the new name.

Enjoy your newly named computer!